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A Betty's Bay resident has spoken out about the trauma of losing her home in a fire that raged through the town at the weekend.
Suzette de Koker's house is among the 41 structures that were completely destroyed in the town. According to Overstrand fire chief Lester Smith, the fire also partially damaged another 28 structures.
PICS: Betty's Bay residents recall 'panic' as fire inched closer to homes
The fires that have been raging through the Overstrand since December 31, 2018 have left dozens of residents in nearby coastal communities homeless and traumatised.
The man accused of starting the devastating blaze, Shelton April, 34, appeared in the Caledon Magistrate's Court on Monday, where the case was postponed for a week, a court official confirmed.
READ: Man accused of starting deadly Overstrand fire expected to appear in court
He faces a charge of contravening the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, for allegedly causing a fire, discarding a burning object in a place where it could start a fire, and acting in a manner likely to cause fire, Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel André Traut said on Tuesday.
